Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Back at the end of 2011 I was given the challenge to come up with a word to carry me through the next year. I say challenge because at the start of 2011 we lost our daughter Samantha and as I went through the grief process I found a wonderful course called Illuminate by Beryl Young to be a part of. We used photography to process our way through our grief.

For those who may not know, I love taking pictures. Give me a DSLR camera and I am in my element even more. I love capturing the moment.

We also had journaling questions to answer with each lesson. The last one of the course, which happened to end just before Christmas, was to pick a word to carry us through the next year. I don't typically do resolutions, though I will set goals. But choosing a word for the year was what I needed. It was something to carry me through, to step forward, to grow.

The word I chose? Trust. I needed to learn to trust again. Trust myself, my body, my relationships, and above it all to trust God again.

So each year I choose a word to carry with me for the year.

For 2019, I chose my word, but also added a little something to it. From taking the Abundant Mama Course and being in the Peace Circle for a bit, I got to create Simple Clarity cards. During my time in the Peace Circle we had a monthly focus (i.e. yes...to you, to ease, to joy, etc). I decided to combine all three of these ideas into setting up a month to month word as well.

For 2019 my word is rejuvenation. While I am not sure quite where that will lead, it does resonate deeply and seems to fit well with the direction I am headed in. I then chose a word focus for each month.

So my overall word will be rejuvenation, but each month will have an extra focus to help dig in a little deeper, to grow, to be grounded. Here's what I came up with:

January ~ Open
February ~ Calm
March ~ Leap
April ~ Heal
May ~ Fearless
June ~ Soften
July ~ Brave
August ~ Kindness
September ~ Ease
October ~ Journey
November ~ Support
December ~ Ritual

I have also been doing a series of 3 card Simple Clarity card pull sets to help me set myself for the season. So each season I work through this, think on it, and pick a word to represent the season. For the Winter season my word is playful.

I usually post my word for the year somewhere that I will see it most days. I have yet to decide where around the house I may do that. I say may, because I am not sure if I will post my year word yet. But for each month's word I will write it and design a picture on a frame that sits on my kitchen counter and I will put my Simple Clarity card in a holder I have by my bed.

I also decided to add the words to my planner. Each month has it's own word written at the top, as well as my 2019 word.

So how about you?

Do you choose a word for the year? Or maybe the month?

If not, maybe it is something you would be interested in trying. If you have, share some of the words you have used in the past, how you use the word, and if you display it anywhere.

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Hi All, I'm Liz!

About Me

I am blessed to be a wife and a mom, and live in Minnesota. I have a love for photography, being creative, outdoors, camping, water (anything nature), and reading.

Five years ago I discovered a passion for writing. It was after the loss of our daughter during our first pregnancy that writing became an outlet. It has helped me share my story, helped me work through the grief and healing process, and given me the chance to really be me. You can see more of that story over at www.myinfantloss.com.

Since then, I've had two healthy, happy boys that fill my life with many ups, downs, and whirlwinds in between. I love it and it wouldn't change it. My Mama Side, is the space where I write about all things kids, parenting, family, and just daily life.